The Athletic NBA Daily

Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni and Law Murray check in following all the NBA action Sunday night, to break down: an impressive Lakers win over the Detroit Pistons (without Luka Doncic), LaMelo Ball's continued support for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and everything that's gone awry for the Charlotte Hornets.Then, Law presents a preview of his weekly NBA Power Rankings for the upcoming week, with thoughts on: the San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers.And finally, why did the Kings trade Nique Clifford to the Thunder?Host: Dave DuFourWith: Es Baraheni & Law MurrayProducer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Alex Oliver

This week on Slam N Jam Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers discuss the top stories of the NBA, the rough start for the Jazz, Herb Jones value, the Pistons fun start and more. Then Portland Trail Blazers reporter Sean Highkin joins hosts Alex Speers and Andrew to assess the team’s explosive 6-1 start, the chemistry behind its league-leading offense, and the questions raised by Ja Morant’s injury and Scoot Henderson’s expanded role. The conversation also examines Portland’s arena lease deadline before the hosts play a fun round of Andrew vs. the Beat. Host: Andrew Schlecht, Alex SpeersWith: Sean HighkenProducers: Andrew Schlecht, Alex Speers

Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni recap a two-game Thursday night slate in the NBA, featuring the Orlando Magic at the Phoenix Suns and the Miami Heat at the Golden State Warriors.Then, Jay King, Boston Celtics beat reporter for The Athletic & host of the Still Poddable podcast, joins the show to discuss: how real the beef (or lamb chops) is between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Harry Potter house/NBA connections, the long runup to Jaylen Brown’s offseason trade to the Sixers, how Paul George has helped Boston’s perimeter defense, Mitchell Robinson’s surprising rebounding struggles and whether Joe Mazzulla’s AI usage should be normalized around the league.And before we go, we get you ready for Friday night’s NBA Cup games!

Victor Wembanyama is stuck on easy mode.After one of the greatest single-game performances of his career (and NBA history), Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni recap the Spurs’ thrilling home win over the Dallas Mavericks amidst an especially wild night in the NBA.Then, NBA Senior Writer Sam Amick checks in with the latest on Kristaps Porzingis’ contract dilemma, including thoughts on: the players union not challenging Golden State’s decision, guaranteed money, a possible Myles Turner trade package, reported frustration between Domantas Sabonis and the Sacramento Kings, and the earliest MVP prediction column in NBA history. And before we go, a special shout out to Courtney Kirkland. Get well soon!Host: Dave DuFourWith: Esfandiar Baraheni Producer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Alex Oliver

Alex Speers and Andrew Schlecht discuss the 5 teams that should be panicking early this season. Then they are joined by Derek Parker to discuss Kingston Flemmings and other rookies making an early impact. Host: Alex Speers and Andrew Schlecht With: Derek Parker Producer: Andrew Schlecht

It’s just early enough in the season for our first edition of Small Sample Size Theatre, with particular predictions on the Miami Heat, Darius Acuff Jr., and the Chicago Bulls.Then, Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni are joined by Keith Parish of the Memphis Grizzlies Grits and Grinds Podcast to discuss: Cam Boozer continuing his winning basketball despite rookie mistakes, Ty Jerome becoming a fully-formed offensive menace, Tuomas Iisalo being the right fit for the job and where the Grizzlies go from here after opening the season with a six-game winning streak.And we close the show with a closer look at which of the seven one-win teams in the NBA have the best chance at turning their season around.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Esfandiar BaraheniProducer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Alex Oliver

We still believe in the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dave DuFour and Es Baraheni check in after a 15-game slate in the NBA to recap Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Luka Doncic’s heroic 40+ point performances and Houston’s dominant win over the Boston Celtics.Then, Will Guillory, staff writer for The Athletic who covers the Rockets and Pelicans, joins the show to discuss: internal growth allowing the Rockets to hit another gear early in the season, Fred VanVleet’s return allowing his teammates to find their roles, the credit Alperen Sengun deserves for Houston’s long range shooting success, how Marcus Smart mirrors Ime Udoka and more! Also, what do the Pelicans have planned for Herb Jones, Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy III?And we end the show with a salute to Ty Jerome, Draymond Green and the Indiana Pacers. Host: Dave DuFourWith: Esfandiar Baraheni Producer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Alex Oliver

Dave DuFour, Esfandiar Baraheni and Law Murray are live Sunday night following Celtics-Magic, Nets-Pacers, Clippers-Warriors and Lakers-Raptors to break down Luka Doncic's (latest) 40+ point game, Yaxel Lendeborg's continued ascension and preview Law's NBA Power Rankings for the upcoming week.Host: Dave DuFourWith: Esfandiar Baraheni and Law MurrayProducer: Zuri IrvinAudio/Video: Alex Oliver